Democrats make last push for Governor to veto budget

Flagstaff, AZ – It's not just that Democrats don't like the $630 million in new spending cuts. Senate Minority Leader Jorge Garcia said hebelieves that, given enough time, a deal can be negotiated withthe Republican governor for a bipartisan budget. What that meansfor Brewer is coming up with the votes for her plan to put atemporary hike the state sales tax on the ballot, something shehas been unable to get out of the Republican-controlledLegislature. But Senate President Bob Burns has a differentmessage.

(My advice, my position, whatever, has been that she ought tosign those. Get that cricial part of this whole exercise behindus.)

Burns said at that point lawmakers can deal with Brewer's demandfor more revenues. But Garcia said if Brewer signs the budget --especially a provision to permanently repeal the state propertytax -- she can kiss the sales tax hike goodbye.

(If she signs that, I think she's lost all her bargaining chipsfor getting the referral. There won't be enough Rs to support it.And there won't be enough Ds to support it.)

Time is running out for a decision: Brewer has until the end ofthe day Wednesday to sign or veto the Republican budget plan. ForArizona Public Radio this is Howard Fischer.